Attempts to fly Wedisinghe to Japan
Injured Wedisinghe with wife Rumi
The condition of racing rider Ananda Wedisinghe, who was seriously injured during the Nuwara Eliya Road Race on April 23, has aggravated since according to his close aides. Wedisinghe, an experienced rider with an impressive record, is in a coma and is battling for his life. He has been kept alive with the support of a Life Support Machine from the day he was admitted.
Wedisinghe’s Japanese wife Rumi and his children are finding possible ways to fly him to Japan where the family is living. If their attempts fail, due to financial requirements, Wedisinghe could be taken to Singapore. Yet, the family will still have to meet the required funds. To fly Wedisinghe in an Air Ambulance, International SOS, a globally renowned medical and travel firm, the estimated cost is 39million Sri Lanka Rupees.
“It’s been over four weeks since Ananda (Wedisinghe) was admitted to the Kandy Hospital ICU, and the hospital staff is of the view that his condition is critical. The doctors and nurses of the ICU are taking very good care of him, and I strongly believe that his condition will improve slowly,” Wedisinghe’s wife, Rumi stated.
The Wedisinghe family and his close friends have been making a valiant attempt to raise funds through a Foundation set up on behalf of the famous rider. But the collection so far, during the past month, has not build up as expected.
“My family back in Japan are doing all that is possible to work things out, and if I could take him there, I’ll be stronger because my family is around to help me. For now our youngest daughter is here.” Rumi added.
Rumi went on to say that the Foundation is receiving cash offerings and some individuals have given their contributions personally to her. But the whole collection up to date, is nowhere near what the Wedisinghe family expects.”
Wedisinghe’s present calamity directs the finger towards the organisers of the event, the Sri Lanka Motorcycle Club. The Nuwara Eliya Road Race has been under scrutiny unlike other motorsport events held in various parts due to safety and medical recovery reasons. On April 20, 2008 driver Dilshan Bandaranayake experienced a similar accident on his Austin Mini, which was fatal. Since then the race was not granted the required clearance at times by the Ministry of Sports and at times by the Nuwara Eliya Police. Even motorsport experts raise concerns of the safety, which many were of the view that did not meet the required levels. Even Wedisinghe’s wife, who has been the shadow of the renowned rider, makes that claim.
